The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says Nigerian troops are making significant progress in efforts to rescue 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
He made this known during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 from schools in Orire Local Government Area, Oyo State. Shaibu said ongoing military operations were yielding positive results and expressed confidence that the abductees would soon be safely reunited with their families.
He also stated that the Nigerian Army remains actively engaged across all six geopolitical zones in response to evolving security threats in the country.
In the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded major gains against insurgents, including the neutralisation of over 1,800 fighters and the surrender of many others. He also noted the killing of a high-profile Islamic State commander in collaboration with international partners.
Shaibu added that improved security in some areas has allowed displaced persons to return home, including the closure of an IDP camp in Bama, Borno State.
In the North-West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma has continued to degrade bandit groups through sustained military pressure and recovery of weapons. In the North-Central region, operations such as Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and Savannah Shield have also enhanced stability in several states.
He further noted improved security in the South-East, while describing the South-South as more stable due to ongoing efforts against oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism, which he said has helped boost national oil output.
According to him, the South-West remains largely peaceful aside from the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
The Army Chief also announced that the Federal Government has approved new measures to strengthen military manpower, including the establishment of a new army depot in Ebonyi State, bringing the total to three nationwide.
He disclosed that plans are underway to recruit and train 28,000 new soldiers, with thousands already graduating from training depots in Zaria and Osogbo, while the Ebonyi depot is expected to commence graduation soon.
Shaibu added that the Army has updated its training curriculum to focus more on modern warfare skills such as marksmanship, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism operations, while also investing in advanced military equipment including armoured vehicles and drones.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and improving operational efficiency across all regions.
